“I will put it on another ground. I accepted unconditionally your pledge of secrecy and was instrumental in saving you subsequently from very serious consequences at the hands of those who questioned your good faith. As a return for that service I ask you to tell me exactly what you know.”
“The service of which you speak was followed by your secret visit to my rooms—with Henriques; and Major Sampayo told me this morning the object of that visit,” I said very drily. “Sampayo was very frank about you.”
“What did he say?” he asked, quite unruffled by this thrust.
“You can ask him on his return. And now, I am going.”
He had remained close to the door and he turned and locked it and put the key in his pocket.
“Our interview cannot end in this abrupt way, Mr. Donnington. The cause I have at heart may be ruined by you. You have told Contesse Inglesia that you were on the Rampallo the night before last, and I must know what you overheard and what use you intend to make of that information.”
“Open that door or give me the key,” I said sternly.
“I shall do neither. I am armed, as probably you are; and if you wish to force a struggle you must do so.”
Like a fool, I had come without a revolver; but I clapped my hand to my pocket as if I had one there; and then paused. “I don’t want your blood on my head,” I exclaimed.
But he was not deceived. “Ah, I perceive you have not thought that precaution necessary,” he said quietly. “Well, I mean you no harm, but we must talk this thing out and then I pledge you my word to open the door. Will you answer my questions?”